Social Security is the U.S. government’s social insurance plan intended to benefit retired people and others who are disabled, injured or left without adequate financial support. Social Security is financed from both an employee’s pay and an employer’s contributions. Nearly all Americans have a Social Security Number (SSN), which is an official identification number used for tax and employment purposes.

ALL international employees in H-1B, O-1, TN, practical training or any other employment status must have SSNs in order to receive wages from UH. Most J-1 visitors, including UH
stipend recipients, will require SSNs immediately upon arriving at UH if they do not already have one. Certain international visitors who have non-compensated appointments may choose to apply for SSNs.

SSNs can only be obtained in the U.S. from the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSA offices are located on all major islands in Honolulu, Līhu‘e, Wailuku, and Hilo. Unofficial identification numbers issued by UH (coded with initial digits 990 or 999) cannot be used for tax or employment purposes. You must obtain an SSN so tax documents can be properly filed.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): The SSA will issue SSNs only to individuals authorized to work in the U.S. If you are not eligible for an SSN, you may obtain an ITIN for tax purposes from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Apply for an ITIN using IRS Form W-7. Form W-7 and the instructions are available on the IRS website.

Visitors in B-1 or WB and B-2 or WT statuses are not eligible for SSNs. If a B-1/B-2/WB/WT visitor does not have an SSN obtained during a prior U.S. visit, he/she may be required to obtain an ITIN instead.

WHEN TO APPLY

J-1 Exchange Visitors: Apply for an SSN no earlier than 10 business days after you arrive in the U.S. and after you complete your registration with FSIS.

If you apply for an SSN less than 10 business days after you arrive in the U.S., your legal entry in J status may not yet be entered in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAVE database, which is the primary source the SSA uses to verify your immigration status. A secondary source the SSA can use to verify your status is the Los Angeles Immigration Status Verification (LOSISV) unit. However, in order for the LOSISV unit to verify your immigration status, your SEVIS record must be validated by FSIS. FSIS will only validate your SEVIS record after you have completed the registration process. For more information, see the USCIS Fact Sheet for J Nonimmigrants: Getting a Social Security Number.

J-2 Dependents: J-2 dependents may obtain SSNs if they first obtain valid work permission or if they acquire their own work visa status.

H-1B, TN, & O-1 Employees: Apply for an SSN no earlier than 10 business days after you arrive in the U.S. to ensure that your legal entry is entered in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAVE database, which is the source the SSA uses to verify your immigration status. H-1B, TN, and O-1 employees do not have SEVIS records and are not required to register with FSIS before applying for an SSN card.

U.S. Nationals: Social Security Card AND birth certificate with certificate of identity.

Cost: Payable with cash, personal check, or traveler's check

8-year ID card: $40.00

1-7 year ID card (legal presence limited terms): $5.00

All documents must be originals or
certified copies. All documents must be in the same name. If there is a
difference in name, bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree,
decree of legal change of name, or other official proof of your name
change. State ID cards can be issued with an alternate ID number
instead of a Social Security Number if desired.

GENERAL DISCLAIMER: The content in this website is solely for use by University of Hawaii (UH) personnel. This website contains information that is both specific to UH and general. This information does not constitute legal advice and should not be used as the sole source for making decisions that may affect an individual’s legal status in the United States. UH makes no warranties or representations, express or implied, about the content of this website, including links to external sites. Users of this website assume the risk that information may be outdated or inaccurate. If any specific concerns arise, you should first consult with FSIS staff. If the issue is outside the scope of UH-sponsored employment-based immigration classifications, you may need to consult with an immigration attorney.